Definition
Hyperesthesia refers to increased sensitivity to sensory stimulation, such as touch or temperature. The term derives from the Greek hyper (over) and aisthesis (feeling) and is usually used in relation to cutaneous sensation. It is most commonly expressed in terms of increased pain sensitivity.
Current Knowledge
The most common cause of hyperesthesia is peripheral neuropathy, such as might occur with diabetes or chronic alcohol abuse. Frequently described as a chronic burning type pain, it can also manifest as increased sensitivity to touch. In extreme cases, patients may not even be able to tolerate any type of covering over their feet while in bed. Thalamic lesions, particularly those involving the posterior thalamus, can also be associated with increased pain syndromes. Such lesions may initially produce a loss or decrease in sensation on the contralateral side of the body, but after a period of time the patient may begin experiencing distressing pain on the side...
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References and Readings
Peyron, R., Laurent, B., & GarcÃa-Larrea, L. (2000). Functional imaging of brain responses to pain. A review and meta-analysis. Neurophysiologie Clinique, 30(5), 263–288. Review. Pub Med PMID: 11126640.
Robinson, M. D., & Shannon, S. (2002). Rehabilitation of peripheral nerve injuries. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 13(1), 109–135. Review. Pub Med PMID: 11878078.
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Donnelly, K. (2018). Hyperesthesia. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_742
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_742
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